Another milestone

Guess what I did last night????

I ran 3.1 miles and NOT on a treadmill. I continuously ran those 3.1 miles outside yesterday after work. I did have to take a few breaks at cross walks but I did it. This is not something I could have even come close to doing last summer! I felt like a million bucks when I got home!

However, I did get a nasty blister on my big toe. I think it was because I had thick socks on.

My march challenge was a success :)

Tight squeeze

One of my biggest nightmares when I was 'fatter' was trying to ride a roller coaster and not fitting into the seat. About three years ago a group of my girlfriends headed to Kings Dominion.

I had butterflies in my stomach on the way down to the amusement park. To be honest the only reason I went is because I wasn't the only fat girl. One of my friends I thought was about the same size as me, so I figured I would always let her go first and then I would know if I could fit. I would painfully analyze all the riders in line to see if there was anyone my size or larger.

We had gone on a few of the rides that day (all of which I fit) and headed over to the water park where I could relax. I knew I could fit in the pool :) Then we decided to do one more thrill ride before we went home. The wait in line was about two hours long and I did everything in my power to convince my friends to leave.

Faithfully I stood in line and silently had an anxiety attack. I knew the was a pretty dangerous ride so I knew the bars were gonna be tight. Sure enough we go up to the front of the line. I sat down....the bar didn't come down enough....one of the ride workers came over and pushed...another guy came over and PUSHED. After a minute or two the guys were like sorry ma'am we are going to have to ask you to leave.

I was crushed!!! From that day on I vowed to lose weight. Of course that feeling didn't last for very long but I have never forgotten that day. I knew I would never EVER go back unless I lost weight!!

Now a days I've started wondering if I should give it another shot. I love roller coasters and I'm curious to see how difficult or easy it would be to fit on one now. If only they gave you size charts online :)

Has this ever happened to anyone else?

I just have to get this off my chest....

My co-worker who shares the cubicle next to mine has played the same song over and over and over since lunch. I can't tell what song it is but it's got the most annoying rhythm EVER.

I know I should just say something to him but it's his birthday. No matter how annoying it is to me I'll let him slide today. However if you don't hear from me in a while it's cause I've lost my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just kidding.....Only 30mins more till the weekend :)

Thank goodness it's Friday

I havent posted in a while because I haven't had much to say.

Lately I've been on an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I feel great about life and sometimes I feel like I just want to throw the towel in. I am taking things one day at a time.

I am hovering around 204lbs. Some days I am 1lb down then I am 1lbs up. I have been letting myself go on my diet on the weekends and I know that is the problem. Im not stressing out about this because I know the big picture.

Yesterday I bought this skirt at Old Navy:
I have NEVER purchased a jean mini skirt before. I went into Old Navy with the intention to buy a jean skirt. I was bold and picked up a size 16 and headed to the dressing room. To my surprise it fit and wasnt skin tight. YAY!!! But I have to say this skirt is WAY out of my comfort zone. I have always hated my legs but I have noticed a huge change in them in the past couple of months. I can see my calf muscles and my ankles! My thighs are still more than desired but oh well. I'm not sure if I'm comfortable enough with my body to wear this outside yet but I am going to work on it. I wore it around the house last night and ask my roommate her opinion about 6 million times.


Nothing really exciting going on this weekend. I am planning on going to two spin classes back to back tomorrow morning. I have never done this before but there are a lot of people that do. So I'll be spinning my heart out tomorrow morning. Let's hope I can make it :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Update: I almost forgot! I met my weekly challenge yesterday with a 4 mile run. I felt GREAT for the first 2 miles and then took a break and it was a struggle to get going again. I was happy when I was finished!

Im still here

I haven't posted in a while but things have been a little crazy.

I have good and bad news.

Good news:
I weighted in at 202.6lbs this morning....I am soooooo freaking close :)
I ran over three miles this morning. I dont remember the exact amount because I walked a little at the end.

Bad news:
I am breaking up with my boyfriend this weekend for far too many reasons. It's going to be hard but I know it's for the best. Trust me I wont turn to Ben & Jerry for comfort!!

If I dont post for the rest of the week I wouldnt be surprised. I'll definitely try to check in on Monday though.

This is a test

Yesterday was certainly a test of my body, mind and soul. I hate to be so vague but I was faced with a few personal problems. There have been times in my life when I would be depressed or upset I would turn to food. I could polish off an entire box of cereal or I would want 4 grilled cheese sandwiches.

Yesterday was one of those days where I wanted comfort...but this time I didnt go to food. Sure, I WANTED to eat bad things but I told myself I've worked way too hard to get to where I am. I found comfort in myself and in my friends. I am so thankful for the people I have in my life and the strenght and self-confidence that I have gained in the past year.

Today should be a much better day! The only thing is that I HATE what I am wearing. I have on a button down dress shirt that is WAY too big for me. I look like a kite walking down the hall way with my shirt flapping in the wind. Oh well....This shirt will be retired after today.

PS....I finished my 3 miles for the week this morning :)

Weekend recap

First off I would like to thank everyone for being so encouraging about my March challenge! It has definitely made a difference to get me motivated.

My weekend was pretty relaxing. I hung out with my roommate most of the time and we were pretty low key. Friday we had dinner and a movie. If you were thinking about seeing Black Snake Moan let me know because I would tell you to wait till video! Saturday I worked out for 2 hours!!! It was wonderful. I did Body Step then Body Pump. My body was stepped and pumped out after that.

Food wise I did pretty good till my roommate decided to make oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They were great with a glass of milk.

My official weigh in on Friday was 206.6. I couldn't be more excited about being this close to the 100's. I think it will take me a little over a monthly but I hope to be right at or under 199 by the end of April.

This morning I ran two miles on the treadmill at the gym. I am almost at my weekly goal!!

Have a great Monday guys!

March Challenge

I have decided to participate in the March Challenge this month. Most everyone in the group has been participating since January but they accept new members at the beginning of each month.

My goal for this month is to run 3 miles a week. I know that isnt much but I really want to make running a part of my workout routine. I'm getting too comfortable with the elliptical machine so I need to mix it up. Since I've seen good results from doing interval training when I run on the tread mill I usually walk for 2 mins then run for 8 mins and so on and so on till I reach my total time.

One of my ultimate goals is to run a half marathon. I know there is no way I could do it any time soon but eventually I know I could.

Happy March everyone!

Lent

It's that time of year again, the Lenten season. Although I am not Catholic I have participated in Lent the past two years and I don't see a reason to stop this year. Lent is seen as a time of prayer and preparation for Easter. Christians today use this time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.

The first year I gave up chocolate which was pretty hard for me at the time. Last year I gave up all cheese and that was VERY hard for me. At the end of Lent I always have a feeling of accomplishment and I feel as if I could change other things about my life.

Over the past year I have made many changes in my life; eating healthy, exercise, and no more soda (caffeine). So it was hard for me to come up with something to give up for 40 days. What I've decided to do instead was start doing something new. Something new that will benefit myself and my body. What I am going to do is take a multi-vitamin EVERY DAY! I know that sounds simple but I'm always bad at remembering to take vitamins. I want to do this to see if there are any real health changes over this period of time.

Are you doing anything for Lent?

I've lost it for now

I've lost my motivation to work out. I don't know what it is but I feel terrible.

I don't want to get up in the morning. I don't want to go after work. I don't want to go period.

I think it's the weather. With all the snow and cold weather it's hard to get motivated to leave the house. My eating habits have been so-so but nothing spectacular. I'm going to try to not beat myself up about it and just focus on how I can improve instead of where I've failed.

I have my workout clothes in the car with me. I'm going to work on getting the motivation to go after work today.

Is anyone else besides me grateful that tomorrow is Friday?!?!?!

What do ya think???

Okay so I want your opinions....

FDA just announced a new non-prescription diet drug. You can see news articles here and here.

I have to say it is pretty tempting to want to rush out and get a drug that could help you lose 50% MORE than you would normally with diet and exercises. My problem is I don't know if it would be worth it. Both articles say that the prescription strength drug was found to cause precancerous lesions of the colon.

I feel that up to this point I have been fairly successfully at losing weight but the temptation for a little help is very strong. Is this drug something you guys would try or do you feel that it's too good to be true??

Feeling the burn

So I've been back to the gym three days in a row. I feel great but let me tell you I am sore. I really missed working out while I was on vacation but I didn't dwell on it. I did a lot of squats last night so I'm sure I'll be walking around like an old lady today.

I got an official weight........210.0! I am so excited. I can taste Onederland around the corner. I really think when I see a number that starts with 1 I may shed a few tears. My goal is to be at or under 199 by April 1st (I know it's April Fools Day but that is no joke).

Im back!!!!!!!

I am back from the most amazing experience I have yet to have. I spend 10 days in Belize City. I helped build a house, met the most amazing children, climbed a Mayan ruin, swam with sting ray and made new friends.

Here is the most recent picture of me:And here is a picture of me that is well over a year old:
I know they are not the greatest pictures but there is a huge difference.

I have no clue how much I weigh right now. I haven't been to the gym in two weeks but I feel great! Im getting used to being back home now and getting back into my routine. Im back to the gym and back to healthy eating habits.

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

So I am going to Belize City!!!!!!! I am doing a missionary trip with two of my girl friends from college. We leave tomorrow morning for Kentucky and then leave from there to go to Belize. I'll be back home Feb 1st and I'm sure I will be exhausted.

While in Belize we are going to be building a home for a needy family, helping out at a children's AIDS hospital and doing other community service project in the city. We are of course going to get to see all the tourist attractions in Belize. There is a Mayan Ruin, beaches, and shopping.

I have already checked into a Gold's Gym location in Belize City and there are none :( I am bringing my tennis shoes and workout clothes and hope to go for a few jogs while I'm there. I will miss working out!!!

Have a good two weeks and I hope to catch up on everyone's blogs when I get back.

See ya in February :)

Weigh-in

So to my surprise guess what the scale showed me this morning:

217.8

Yea, I have no clue how that happened!!!!!

Tired

I am so out of it today.

I went to see my boyfriend, who is incredibly awesome, this weekend. I dont talk about him much on here but I wanted to give him a shout out! I didnt get home last night till almost 3am and I had to get up at 6:30am to go to work. Needless to say I am dragging my butt around all day.

I ate well all weekend and today but I havent been to the gym since Saturday afternoon. I was going to bring my workout clothes with me to work to go straight to the gym after I get off of work but I didnt. I may way till like 9pm to go to the gym but I seriously doubt that will happen. If not I am back to my regular schedule tomorrow morning.

TGIF!

Happy Friday everyone.

It is almost time for me to start my weekend (15mins and counting).

Yesterday morning I got my butt out of bed to go to BodyPump at the gym. The class was cancelled and so I decided to go to spin class instead. For some reason spin class was not a rewarding as I hoped and I decided to go to BodyPump after work. Let me just tell you I feel like my thighs are on fire. For those of you who aren't members of Gold's Gym, BodyPump is a whole body workout with weights.

This morning I passed on my workout and I am trying to find some motivation to go tonight. I know it's a Friday and I should attempt to have a social life but I feel like I haven't been home in weeks. Since I didnt go to the gym I dont have anything to report as my official weigh-in for the week. Which brings me to the point that even though I am not a part of the Pool this time around I am still gonna try to post my weigh-ins each Friday!

Have a great weekend!

Buyer beware!

So my roommate went to the store yesterday and picked up some Campbell's soup. Since it was buy one get one free she got a can of the regular Campbell's Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla soup and she got me the Campbell's Healthy Request Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla soup. The Healthy Request (HR) soup had the pretty green letters on it promising 98% fat free which of course catches all of our eyes.

While eating the soup for lunch today I decided to look online to compare the nutritional facts between both soups and I was surprised by what I saw!

The regular (normally cheaper) Campbell's Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla soup:

Calories 130

Total Fat 2g
Sat. Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 800mg
Total Carbs 20g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 1g
Protein 8g


The "healthier" (normally more expensive) Campbell's Healthy Request Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla soup:
Calories 130
Total Fat 2.5g
Sat. Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 480mg
Total Carbs 20g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 2g
Protein 8g

Bottom line is buyer beware! This product has MORE fat and sugar and only 40% less sodium. Make sure you really pay attention to the nutrition labels even if it says 'LOW FAT' or '98% FAT FREE'!!! No offense to Campbell's soup!!! The soup is very tasty and I would definitely stock up on it more often if on the buy one get one free sale.

Advice

So I got the following email today:

have a good day my friend. I miss youllllllll!
Love you...keep up the good work and please let me know what your doing. I did dinner with anna last night and she says she look great and youve taken off more weight. I'm trying the no carb thing-high protein. Please give me some tips cuz i wanna start feeling better about myself. I should prolly utilize the gym a bit more huh. ok well take care love youuu...so proud of you babycakes! Hard work and determination...

-dev

I was so shocked when I read the email. My friend is a beautiful girl, both inside and out. She like me was carrying around probably 70-80lbs of extra weight. For her to come to ME for help made me feel very accomplished.

Here is what I told her:

We will def. get together when I get back from vacation.

Im not really good at tips but this is what I can tell you. I try to go to the gym for at least an hour every day. There was a period of time where I would go 30mins in the am and then 30mins after work. Working out in the morning is REALLY hard at first but you have to start slow. Make yourself work out 3 days a week for two weeks, then go 4 times a week for two weeks and you'll see that after a month going to the gym 4 or 5 times a week is routine.

As far as a diet I've never done the no-carb thing. I watch what I eat: whole wheat breads, always eat breakfast (cereal or oatmeal), i eat fruit for snacks throughout the day, salads or fish for dinner.

I think working out tends to motivate my eating habits. I dont want to get up at 5am for no reason, ya know! If it's something I can do it's something you can do too!!!!!! Let me know if you need any support cause I am here for you :)

love,

lana

That email has made my day!!! I am so motivated to eat right and exercise it's not even funny. I'm so glad that I can help and inspire my friends.

ZZZZZ.....

It has taken everything inside of my soul to not fall asleep at my desk. I know there were several moments this morning where I nodded off while looking at my computer. I am back to my normal workout routine. Which means, 5am spin class on Tuesdays (hence being sleepy).

I really hope I see a loss this week. I've been up and down the past two weeks and I just want to be under 227lbs. I really would like to be at 220lbs by the end of the month but I don’t know if that will happen or not.

What else besides caffeine and eating would you suggest to help me through the next couple hours of work?